A LIFEBOAT fete, held virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic, has raised nearly £3,000 for Dunbar RNLI.

The lifesaving group’s traditional fundraiser was sidelined for the second year running due to the pandemic.

However, many supporters tuned in to see 15-year-old Poppy Lees crowned Dunbar Lifeboat Queen as the event, held at the Battery at Dunbar Harbour last Saturday, was streamed live on Facebook.

Donations and raffle ticket sales raised nearly £1,500 and the fund was boosted by generous donations of £1,000 from Miixer CIC, which runs Zero Waste Dunbar, and £500 from EDF Energy at Torness Power Station.

East Lothian Courier: EDF Torness Power Station director Tam Al-Bishawi hands over a cheque for £500 from over to Gordon Kirkham, Torness training instructor and RNLI volunteer. Photo: Nick MailerEDF Torness Power Station director Tam Al-Bishawi hands over a cheque for £500 from over to Gordon Kirkham, Torness training instructor and RNLI volunteer. Photo: Nick Mailer

Veronica Davies, lifeboat fundraising chairperson, was pleased with the amount raised in challenging circumstances.

She said: “Many thanks to everyone who has, once again, supported Dunbar RNLI Lifeboat Station for our virtual lifeboat fete.

“Thanks and appreciation to everyone who entered our competitions, attended the crowning ceremony, dressed shop windows, donated prizes, money and their time to help us raise funds for this vital service.

“We truly appreciate every donation, no matter how big or small, as every penny counts to enable us to help save lives at sea.

“There is still time to donate, if you are in a position to do so.

“Hopefully, next summer we will be all be able to meet again, down at the harbour, at our annual lifeboat fete. I look forward to seeing you all there.”

East Lothian Courier: Dunbar Lifeboat Queen 2021 Poppy Lees (centre) with her family (L-R) sister Ciara, dad Mark, brother Lawrie, mum Rhona, and grandparents Mairi and Davie. Photo: Alistair PuntonDunbar Lifeboat Queen 2021 Poppy Lees (centre) with her family (L-R) sister Ciara, dad Mark, brother Lawrie, mum Rhona, and grandparents Mairi and Davie. Photo: Alistair Punton

A number of competitions and activities were also held on the day to mark the occasion.

Traditionally, thousands of people line the town’s High Street to welcome a parade featuring the Lifeboat Queen.

This year, celebrations were different, with a raffle and a competition encouraging people to spot toy boats and sea creatures in shop windows.

Simon Glover, director of Miixer, was happy to help out.

He said: “Our beaches have been busier than ever and fundraising made difficult by the unique circumstances created by the pandemic.

“We all rely on the RNLI volunteers who give their time so freely to keep us safe.

“We urge our supporters to help support the virtual lifeboat fete today by donating.

“Thank you all for your continued support.”

Tam Al-Bishawi, Torness Power Station director, was similarly pleased to be able to do his bit.

He said: “I’m delighted that we have been able to help Dunbar Lifeboat in this way.

“I am glad that their day went ahead, albeit in a different form, and am pleased that we can support the lifeboat’s aim of saving lives at sea.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Dunbar RNLI’s virtual lifeboat fete fund can do so by visiting justgiving.com/fundraising/dunbar-lifesavers